Transient Atrioventricular Block Associated with Acute Pancreatitis in a Japanese Chin Dog.

Electrocardiographic changes (ECG) are a common complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), although their etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. Commonly reported electrocardiographic changes in human beings with AP include non-specific changes of the ventricular repolarisation process, and various kinds of conduction and/or rhythm anomalies. The association between AP and ECG abnormalities has not been investigated in the veterinary literature. We report a case of a previously healthy Japanese Chin dog with acute pancreatitis demonstrating severe bradycardia, ST-segment depression, atrial standstill, 2nd and then 3rd degree atrioventricular block, all of which were resolved once the pancreatitis ameliorated. We conclude that due to the transient nature of such ECG findings in patients with AP, as long as haemodynamics remain or can be maintained stable, decisions regarding permanent pacemaker therapy or euthanasia should be made with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]